Anthony "Tony" James Chiarello

It is with deep sadness that the family of Anthony James Chiarello announces his peaceful passing from natural causes, on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at his home in St. James. Tony leaves his wife of 40 years, Debra, as well as their 3 children and their families: Anthony and his wife Brandi and their children Antonio (Nio) and Killian; Maryssa and her husband Eric (McKinley) and their children Sienna and James; Andrea and her husband Thomas (Holamon) and their children Dakota and Jameson. Tony, affectionately called “Poppy” by his grandchildren, is already greatly missed by his loving family.

Tony was born November 17, 1943, in Queens, New York and grew up in Manhattan’s Little Italy with his parents and sister, Nancy. The family moved to Rockaway Beach when Tony was in his teens. He is preceded in death by his parents Anthony and May Chiarello. His sister Nancy lives with her husband Skip (Zink) in Naples, Florida.

Tony and Debra met in Huntington, NY in March 1984 while both were working in the electronics industry. They were married in September of 1985 and built a beautiful life together with their three children. During their marriage, they resided in Huntington, NY, Wilmington, NC, Murphy, TX and then retired in St. James, NC.

After Brooklyn Tech High School, Tony went on to graduate from the Academy of Aeronautics and then New York University School of Engineering and Science. His business acumen, mathematical mind, and instinctual leadership and people skills helped him develop a successful and distinguished professional career that spanned 50 years in the aeronautics, electronics and technology industries. Tony believed in helping others in their professional pursuits, and mentored dozens of individuals who went on to have excellent and successful careers. His civic involvement was extensive, volunteering and supporting many community organizations, as well as serving on professional Boards.

Tony was an excellent athlete. In school, he competed in football, baseball, and track and field. He was also an equestrian, tennis player and golfer. Believe it or not, he was an amateur boxer too!

He was also an avid vegetable gardener, and would happily share his bounty with friends and neighbors. Tony’s true passion was fishing! He spent many a day fishing in Jamaica Bay and the Great South Bay of Long Island or going deep sea fishing. While living in Wilmington, he would take his boat for some fishing on the Intercoastal Waterway or out for a day deep sea fishing. Of course, Tony had a few destination fishing trips, and always looked for an opportunity to throw out a line any time he traveled.

Definitely a foodie, Tony relished excellent food. His sauce and meatballs were famous (at least among his family and friends), and his breakfasts were a family favorite. Only a select few ever received his “secret” recipes! Good food, fine wine, good cigars, and he was a happy man.

Following Tony’s retirement in 2013, Tony and Debra built their home in St. James where they moved in August of 2014. Tony enjoyed golf in St. James as well as the surrounding areas, and of course, fishing - including in the ponds scattered around St. James.

Tony never met a stranger, and could carry on a conversation with people he’d just met as if he’d known them for years. He is best known for his gregarious personality, wonderful, zany sense of humor, and his amazing stories. And his cigars!

Above all, Tony was a deeply devoted husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law and friend. His lessons of love, loyalty, integrity and humor will live in our hearts forever.

A private Celebration of Life will be held with family and friends on June 29th.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com

Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.